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Abstract

A three-dimensional unidirectional composite with fibers aligned along the loading direction and containing planar multiple cracks is analyzed for its fracture behavior. The stresses and displacements are determined using a consistent shear lag formulation that accounts for the load-carrying capacity of the matrix in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The cracks arc of equal size and distributed uniformly along the load axis. The change in compliance and energy release rates are obtained as functions of crack size (area) and spacing (crack density). The results show that the growth of existing cracks occurs more easily than multiplication of cracks that is, formation of new cracks.